President Donald Trump delivered a high-profile endorsement in California’s gubernatorial race late Sunday, backing Republican Steve Hilton over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Trump took to Truth Social to praise Hilton:

“I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell. Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so! With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT. He will be a GREAT Governor and, importantly, WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Hilton, a former Fox News host, now heads to the June 2 primary with the momentum of Trump’s backing against his Republican rival Bianco.

Hilton and Bianco Lead in the Polls

In the latest polling, Hilton and Bianco lead a pack of 10 contenders — eight of them Democrats — to succeed the termed-out Gavin Newsom.

Under California’s top-two primary system, all candidates listed on the same ballot, regardless of party, with the two top finishers then advancing to the November general election.

State Democratic Party leaders have urged their weaker candidates to drop out, arguing that the large number of Democrats is setting the stage for the possibility of Hilton and Bianco making the run-off.

Hilton Speaks on Endorsement

Hilton sent a news release regarding the endorsement, saying:

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump.

“California should be the best place in the world to follow your dreams, raise a family, start and grow a business. We have everything we need to lead our country again.

“But after 16 years of one-party rule, we have the highest poverty rate, highest unemployment rate, and highest cost of living in America.

“I’m running to make our state Califordable: $3.00 gas, cut your electric bills in half, your first $100,000 tax free, a home you can afford to buy. We’ll do that by putting common sense ahead of ideology, stopping fraud, waste, and abuse in our government, and cleaning up the corruption in Sacramento.

“I’m grateful for the president’s support. Together, we can turn things around and make California truly Golden Again.”

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